CELEBRATING NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP WEEK

This week marks National Apprenticeship week, and we thought there was no better time than to shine a spotlight on our Centre Manager, Tamara!  National Apprenticeship Week brings together businesses and apprentices across the country to shine a light on the positive impact that apprenticeships make to individuals, businesses and the wider economy.  The theme for National Apprenticeship Week 2023 is “Skills for Life”; reflecting on how apprenticeships can help individuals to develop the skills and knowledge required for a rewarding career, and businesses to develop a talented workforce that is equipped with future-ready skills.

Tamara is currently working towards her Level 5 Operations/Departmental Manager Apprenticeship with Hart Learning and Development, part of North Hertfordshire College. As part of the Apprenticeship, she has studied how to create and deliver operational plans, manage projects, lead and manage teams, manage change, financial and resource management, talent management, coaching and mentoring.

She started the course during lockdown in 2021, and has used many of the learnings from the course to help steer Clip ‘n Climb Cambridge through the changes after we re-opened.  Working with Director, Beth Walthew, Tamara has been able to use real-life scenarios within the business to help support her learning.

Tamara is no stranger to Apprenticeships, gaining her Level 3 Team Leading Apprenticeship whist at Clip ‘n Climb Cambridge in 2020, graduating with a Distinction.

Let’s find out a bit more about how she feels her Apprenticeship has helped her in her career with Clip ‘n Climb Cambridge.

What part of the course has been most useful to your work at Clip ‘n Climb Cambridge?

As I have already completed the Level 3 Apprenticeship, it was great to go into more detail about to how businesses run. I think that the most useful and transferable part would either the financial module or the module on developing, managing and leading teams. The financial module was very useful as it went in depth to how business run financially and what each part meant. On the other hand, the module on developing, managing and leading teams was very interesting as I was able to look into theoretical models and how to effectively manage teams and groups of people.

What advice would you give to someone embarking on a Level 5 Apprenticeship whilst working?

I would recommend having a good team behind you that can help and support you, as the course can get quite intense, and topics do require help and assistance.

Also having a flexible working time as well that can fit in around the long lectures as well – even though they are remote. Never be afraid to ask for help. With my Apprenticeship, I also had the option to pause the course as well if you feel things are getting too intense with working as well. This is what I did last year and the College were very supportive and understanding as well with my situation.

Has the course made you more interested in any specific part of the workings of the business?

Studying has made me more in interested in the internal workings and runnings of a business. Especially the inner workings and the ‘behind the scenes’ part. I find the inner workings of a business interesting but sometimes confusing as I would love the opportunity to work in this area and what it takes to set a business/centre up as well.

You’re nearly finished your course.  How are you going to celebrate when it’s all over?

Wow, once I finish the course, I feel all my spare time will be focused on wedding planning as I got engaged in November, but before that I will probably sleep and just rest, maybe go on holiday, Maybe Disney Land!

#NAW2023